The 3DS XL will be a larger version with a 4.88-inch top screen and 4.18-inch bottom touchscreen

Nintendo's 3DS will be adopting a larger sibling next month, but it will be available in Japan only, at least initially.

At Nintendo's Direct presentation yesterday, CEO Satoru Iwata announced that an updated 3DS, called 3DS XL, will be released in Japan come July. The 3DS XL will be a larger version with a 4.88-inch top screen and 4.18-inch bottom touchscreen.

In addition to a size increase, the new 3DS XL will have a longer battery life and will come with a 4 GB SD card. At launch, it will be available in white, silver and black, and black and red.

The 3DS XL doesn't come with an AC adapter, but it is compatible with the 3DS and DSi XL adapters. Those without any of the above-mentioned handhelds will have to pick up a new one separately.

The 3DS was released in March 2011 and initially had poor sales. Nintendo blamed the lackluster lineup of titles for the unimpressive sales, and decided to slash the price of the 3DS from $249.99 to $169.99 in August 2011.

Nintendo could really use the help, considering it posted its first annual loss ever in April 2012. The company reported an operating loss of 37.3 billion yen ($460.9 million USD) and a net loss of 43.2 billion yen ($532.5 million USD).

However, Nintendo is looking to make a comeback with new releases like the 3DS XL and the Wii U console, which will be coupled with its own social network "Miiverse."

The 3DS XL will be released July 28 in Japan for $235 USD. The device will also land on U.S. shores on August 19 for $199.